Clinical Ophthalmology ChM (Online Learning)

Based on the curricula of the FRCSEd (Ophth) and FRCOphth in the United Kingdom and Ireland, this vocational ChM programme provides the opportunity for advanced trainees in ophthalmology to select those modules relevant to their declared subspecialty, and supports learning for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd) and Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) examinations.

This two year part-time Master’s in Clinical Ophthalmology is taught entirely online, and is offered by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh. It was developed with the support of NHS Education for Scotland (NES).

Key information

• This programme is two years of online, part-time study
• The programme aims to provide high standard, flexible advanced training for the next generation of medical and surgical ophthalmologists approaching consultancy
• It also offers an alternative to clinical/laboratory research training for those students who do not wish to take time out of training
• Trainees are taught by experienced tutors, all leading clinicians in their field, and have access to a large structured learning resource of educational material, including an unparalleled online library facility

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

What to expect at the University of Edinburgh

As a student within the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, you will join more than 7,000 students studying a range of postgraduate programmes. Following the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, our vet school and our medical school were both among the UK top five, ranked by research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions REF 2021).

Your postgraduate experience here will be supported and enhanced by the wealth of resources and opportunities we offer. We are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative teaching. The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

This programme in Clinical Ophthalmology is suitable for:

• Advanced ophthalmology specialist trainees in the UK and registrars/residents in ophthalmology internationally
• Domestic or international students preparing for membership and fellowship examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) or the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
• Those approaching consultancy and specialist practice

On completion of this programme you will be able to:

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of your chosen surgical subspecialty
• be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of medical and surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting
• recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the ophthalmologist in the multidisciplinary management of complex medical and surgical disease
• critically reflect upon day-to-day medical and surgical practice in the context of recent advances
• engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other specialties
• apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in medical and surgical research
• make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in medicine and surgery
• exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent medical and surgical practice

The programme will offer an alternative to clinical/laboratory research training if you do not wish to take time out of training.

It will develop your academic portfolio and facilitate medical/surgical research projects essential to a research active career.

The ChM programme is designed to align with the membership and fellowship examination curricula of the RCSEd and RCOphth and prepare you for your exit professional examinations.

The award of ChM will highlight your commitment to continuing professional development and will ensure a competitive edge when applying for consultant positions.

Time commitment

The programme runs on a semester basis over two years - from September until June each year. You will follow a weekly timetable.

We recommend that you are able to commit a minimum of 15-20 hours to your studies each week. The learning content is delivered each week in a flexible, modular manner.

How will I learn?

The programme is delivered using a purpose-built learning environment that supports a variety of learning styles and allows students flexibility in their study patterns.

Courses

This degree is aligned with the curricula of the:

• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)

Core, compulsory courses in each area of clinical ophthalmology support learning for their membership and fellowship examinations. These are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by a systems-based review of the course material.

Academic courses (core and specialist) allow you to explore research and teaching methodology. These will also develop skills to ensure an ability to analyse published evidence and explore interactive and written clinical communication skills.

How will I be assessed?

Knowledge and understanding will be assessed with a formal multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam designed to mirror the trainees' upcoming exit exams. You will also participate in academic discussion boards, leading and facilitating debate, and complete a reflective ePortfolio.

You are required to complete a Master's research project in Year 2 in an appropriate ophthalmology sub-speciality of your choosing.

Year 1

• Ophthalmology 1
• Core Ophthalmology
• Applied Basic Sciences, Examination and Surgical Strategies
• Clinical Decision Making, Therapeutics, Avoiding and Managing Complications
• Diagnostics and Technologies in Clinical Practice
• Acute Ophthalmology, Trauma and Advanced Surgical Techniques

Year 2

• Ophthalmology 2
• Core Academic Activity (Reflective ePortfolio)
• Examination (MCQ)
• Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)

Academic courses in Year 2 will explore research and teaching methodology, whilst enabling you to develop the ability to analyse published evidence and enhance your interactive and written clinical communication skills.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a written reflective ePortfolio and an academic research project, for example, original research or a systematic review in a relevant sub-speciality.

Peer-reviewed journal

Following completion of the programme, students are encouraged to seek publication of their study in a peer-reviewed journal.